Human Bodies on Display: For or Against?

by BC Doan, Feb 23, 2008
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Exhibits around the world experience an enormous success by displaying real human bodies. How do you feel about this issue?

There is a huge discussion about this issue, where real human bodies are sold to be plasticized and displayed for viewing. Some argue that they are educational to the public, and some strongly disagree due to tradition, value, and custom.

It has become a worldwide black market business trade, where the human bodies originated from China, and sold for $200 to $300 each. No one really knows whose bodies are on display.

Their questions are: did these people voluntarily give their bodies to science, or were these the executed prisoners? An investigation between the US and China is under way.

The exhibit is extremely successful in New York City, Las Vegas, and many other cities around the world. Although, to me it was a gruesome site just to look through the television tube; million people have come to view the bodies up close.

The exhibit includes a man with a split head and body, an open heart, a guy throwing baseball, the gut of abdomen, a lady with a fetus, you name it. They are all there, in real human form.

When I heard the explanation how people can actually learn by looking at these real human bodies on display; I can agree with the point. However, something is not settled in my stomach to think that they were once like me and you. They were alive and living at one time.

So, are you for human bodies displayed?

  • What are your reasons?
  • Why are you supporting these human bodies on display?
  • Would you allow this to happen to yourself or your loved ones?
  • How would you feel to come close to a real human body on display?
  • What about the children? How will you explain it to the kids?

If you against human bodies on display:

  • Is it wrong because of our belief, tradition, value, or custom?
  • What can we do if this display comes to our city?
  • How can we help to restore human values even after they died?
  • If it was voluntarily given to medical for studying, how can we be sure of that?
  • How can we stop exhibits from exploiting this issue to make money?

You can read the full story here. It will show many chilling human bodies on display, the place where the bodies were plasticized, and where they found the bodies. Where is our world going? What is in the future for our children, and grandchildren?

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Comments (25)
#1 by Joe Poniatowski
Feb 23, 2008
A real thought-provoking article which raises some good questions. I guess I'm OK with these plasticized bodies in the right context, ie; science exhibits or college-level anatomy classes. But not as art.
#2 by valli
Feb 23, 2008
I am surprised by reading this article. I agree with you, Icy, where is our world going?
#3 by Anne Lyken-Garner
Feb 23, 2008
A completely thought provoking idea here Icy. There is so much to think about and arguments on both sides.

Can I use your space here to say that my laptop has just crashed and I probably will just poping in and out very quickly over the next week or so. If I'm not around, you know why.
#4 by R.B. Parsley
Feb 23, 2008
Icy,
This sounds like something out of the Twilight Zone. Lets hope this is not the wave of the future. I could see making plastic molds from human bodies to build a human-like robot, but putting human bodies on display as art is a bit horrifying. Great article Icy. This is something to really think about.


Randy
#5 by Lucy Lockett
Feb 23, 2008
In the name of science - yes, in the name of art - no. It is not something I am interested in viewing! A thoughtful article with real issues!
#6 by Dee Huff
Feb 23, 2008
Personally, I find it quite repulsive. Okay, maybe there is a need, scientifically and educationally, but what's to stop them just making models. It seems like a total lack of respect for the people to use their bodies in this way after they die.
#7 by CHAN LEE PENG
Feb 24, 2008
It is sad to learn that human bodies from China are on display. It's indeed disgusting to look at the real human bodies on display whether the persons offered to do so or not. Where is the pride of a human then?

Great article, thanks and take care!
#8 by Tarra B.
Feb 24, 2008
great article!
In my opinion, human bodies should NOT be used for exhibits or be put on display to make a profit. As for medical research, I think that's acceptable inside a lab, away from the public, and with permission of course.
#9 by Judy Sheldon
Feb 24, 2008
I agree with Tarra, and also have the same question many seem to have, how do we know these people consented to their bodies used in this fashion? I don't like it at all.
#10 by SpacGod1/dads-pad1966@live.ca
Feb 25, 2008
I think it's educational,how else would doctors become so knowledgable over the past centuries. We're fortunate to have people that can figure out the amazing intricacies of the human anatomy.Our design whether it be from God or science is so complex,we'll never be able to reproduce an android with such sensory and perception.They could create one with superior technology, but not exact duplication.Take periphial vision for example. We can make VR at 360 degrees for sight,but try installing memory of my printer that needs ink replaced soon, as a peripheal multi-task of my human vision thought process.Or, could an android wiggle its fingers and make conversation just because it feels like it? It would be driven only by A.I. programming. I don't agree with the dead bodies display if it is used for an inane purpose, i.e; pleasure viewing,sick torture happy people that get off on their work for display,and do not agree with buying or selling. This is supposed to be for educational purposes, and should only be donated according to the dead persons medical or museum wishes.All should be related to medical learning and/or discovery.
#11 by Alex
Feb 26, 2008
I do seriously have to question the accuracy of this article. The display that you are no doubt referring too is that of Von Hagens. This display consists entirely of volunteers, there have been many accusations against Von Hagens, but all trials have found in his favour. Also the style of this article is immensely biased, made clear by your questions of for and against donation of a body.

To answer some of the questions that are pertinent to me, my reasons are, it is educational for those to see, and can though this inspire interest in science and medicine. If you feel it is gruesome, you do not have to go. Your second question is essentially the same as your first.

I would quite happily donate my body were in not for the fact that it is needed more as an organ donor, and would quite happily donate the bodies of those in my family.

As I am a medical student and have dissected a non-plasticized cadaver I would have no problem getting close to a plasticized corpse, they are indeed a lot more pleasant to look at than a non-plasticized corpse i must say.

How would i explain it to the kids? This sounds like a slight variation of \"think of the children!\". I would give them the facts and let them make their own mind up on the subject.

To the person who suggest models should be made instead, the complexity of a model required to accurately depict the human body would be astounding, and impossible on the level that is required to teach people what to expect in surgery.

To all of you i have a few questions. Why is this repulsive? do you have any logical reasons? and how is it disrespecting someone if this was their wish.

The deeper question is why should we have rights over anything, even our own bodies after we are dead?
#12 by Alexa Gates
Feb 26, 2008
I agree... it's kind of gross to be looking at another human body that is put on display... it creeps me out..
#13 by KathySpring
Feb 26, 2008
Thanks for posting this information. I didn't relize that all this was happing so thank you ICY.!!!

When I die you can use my organs to say the life of one who needs a heart ect. but please do not put me on display.

KathySpring
#14 by Ollie
Feb 28, 2008
I think they should just show them. We are all just beings it does't really matter
#15 by Pat
Mar 1, 2008
I think the whole thing is disgusting, yet more exploitation of
the Chinese, probably murdered for a trivail offence and then sold on for our (the west) "entertainment" can't imagine anyone would give their consent to this, but then a dead chinese prisoner does not have a "voice" does he/she!
#16 by Nick Kenney
Mar 6, 2008
I'm totally against it. If people want to donate their bodies to science for research that's okay but not to be used as art in museums. I agree with Randy, this is horrifying.
#17 by Darlene McFarlane
Mar 24, 2008

This makes me think twice about my signature on my driver's license. I signed it thinking that my body would be donated for research or organ donation. If there is a chance that my body might end up on display and sold for art I want no part of it. If bodies are used for teaching medicine I see nothing wrong with it but as far as I can see, it isn't art.

You did a great job with this article, Icy. You have raised a lot of questions and a little dander too. It makes people aware and gives them cause to speak up about issues whether they concern us directly or not.

Great article.
#18 by Gen
Mar 24, 2008
Alex is right, Von Hagen's exhibit consists entirely of volunteers. In fact, at the end of the exhibit, they have a form for those who want to donate their bodies to the exhibit.

I personally don't think its a problem at all that they are doing this. Sure it may be a little weird once you realize that these people were once alive, but how is that any different than staring at an ornately decorated piece of chicken (for those of you that are non-vegetarian)? I think its a fascinating merger between science and art.

#19 by Ruby Hawk
Mar 24, 2008
I think it is horrible. I saw pictures in the paper of children looking at the bodies in a museum some time ago and I thought it was not the thing for young children or anybody for that matter. Even if the person did donate their body to science there are better uses than being put on public display. At least let it be for a good purpose.
#20 by Josey
Mar 24, 2008
Wow. This is pretty disturbing. I have never seen this before. Thanks for making me aware of it.
#21 by benzaloy
Mar 25, 2008
You got to have a warped mind to view, learn and enjoy these human forms.

I don\'t and therefore detest this inhumane exhibition.

Whether they were obtained with or without consent is immaterial.

One knows it is coming out of China and one is aware of how an over populated China views human dignity. Rulers of China believe that the \'end\' justifies whatever \'means\'.

Remember the massacre of 3000 students in a public Square and displacements of whole villages for hydro-schemes.

#22 by C A Johnson
Mar 25, 2008
Very good job, Icy. I really enjoyed reading it.
#23 by Lukas
Mar 26, 2008
There was a "Body Works" exhibit at the Detroit science centre a little while ago, and I loved it. It showed what happens to a smoker's lung, different foetal stages, nervous system, etc. and I found it extremely fascinating. I do agree with Alex, this article is extremely biased. There is nothing wrong with this, unless it's purely for art. But even then, if it's the person's choice and if there are people who'll be willing to view it, let them be. "Do what thou wilst, but harm none".

Icy, I disagree with you, and find the quality, neutrality and accuracy of the article lacking a bit, but I respect your opinion, and that's how it should be.

My final thoughts about this is pretty optimistic. If things keep going down the path like the way it is with technology and ethics, the world of tomorrow will be a much better place.
#24 by Lostash
Aug 21, 2008
I think that as long as the deceased person gave their consent for this purpose, then I don't really have a problem with it....either science or art.

The human body is a wonderful machine and should be celebrated in whatever form we choose. I think that as a society we have way too many hang-ups about our bodies already, and it is quite refreshing to see that underneath, we really are all the same.
#25 by Lisa Schembri (Malta)
Aug 27, 2008
As long as there was consent from the deseased while they were still alive I don't see anything wrong with it.Afterall don't we make 'art' out of animals? Coats,belts,Scarves,Hats,Shoes!!! all for the sake of fashion do we use animal skin and fur and sometimes even bone. Its just as barbaric when you think about it.
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